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It’s been 2 years since I’ve stopped exchanging gifts with acquaintances and doing the whole gift wrapping thing to save paper. I used to be a superstar when it came to wrapping gifts, so good that my gifts to my friends was a show stealer. haha… But that also takes a lot of effort and time and a whole lot of paper being wasted for a night’s worth of oohing and ahhing. Not worth it.

Since I’ve stopped the gift wrapping, there were rolls and rolls of wrapping paper that ‘s been sitting around doing nothing so I gave away some. This year, I’ve got presents to wrap because of babies and kids’ and as long the parents are responsible with the ripped wrap (reuse or recycle), a gift with some wrapping would totally make a child’s day.

There are many lists out there for the gift ideas for children. How about children of parents you don’t like? Parents that annoy the heck out of you… or parents that you just want to punch out (oh admit it, you must know someone like that) but you don’t because you’r enot setting a good example to your children.

You can take this as “Gifts Not Recommended for Parents” or gifts for parents you don’t like. I think I will get more ideas if I write under the latter context though.

Oil Pastels – these are like crayons, but they are not as children friendly. They are oily and it’s a real pain to get it off the walls, leather couches, and carpets when smudged.

Playdoh - self explanatory. Good bye walls and carpets.

Felt Markers – Good bye walls and tabletops!

Electronic Toys w/o the Batteries but require lots of the big expensive batteries

A Pet – it’s a gift that keeps on giving… until it dies.

Candy - kids bouncing off the oil pastel decorated walls.

First half of a movie, don’t bother burning the second half, they can find it themselves.

This is just some humour, I hope parents won’t actually give these items with these intentions.;)

My husband and I don’t exchange presents with each other or our family and friends. It’s not that we don’t buy stuff for anyone, but we buy gifts when we see something that is useful for our friends. But that’s not limited to the twelve month of the year or birthdays.

I actually love the surprise element of receiving presents but I don’t expect or want any gifts because if I want something, I buy it myself (I’m very impatient!). And we don’t expect family or friends to get it for us. I’m also trying to have less materials in the house and try to practice the 3 Rs - Reduce (working on that right now), Reuse and Recycle (got that down pat).

Here are some things that we sometimes do in lieu of buying impersonal gifts (ie. giftcards, chipping in a set amount to get something – afterall, a gift shouldn’t be limited to “$20 per person”):

- make a donation in their name. The money goes to a charity and your friend can get a tax break too. Remember to get a donation receipt and put it in the birthday card or holiday card.

- give your time. Offer to take a friend somewhere if s/he doesn’t drive. Or if you go to the movies, you can treat. Offer to babysit so your friends can have a date night.

- frozen home cooked meal. Make your friend’s favourite dish and prepare it so that it’s freezer ready.

-do a favour for them. It may be something you don’t expect. Maybe your friend needs help planning a shower or a party or chase a debt for them… who knows? What’s important is that you will take that task off their hands (assuming that you are capable of completing it).

The point is, there are a lot more creative and meaningful ideas rather than a $50 gift card.